Origin & Meaning of the Motes Surname
What does the last name Motes mean?
The surname Motes carries the meaning "Son of Motes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,631 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Motes ranks as the #9,006 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Motes come from?
The Motes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Motes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Motes trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Motes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Motes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,006 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,631 |
| Per 100K People | 1.23 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Motes
According to the US Census, the Motes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,631 Americans with the Motes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.23% |
| Black | 5.73% |
| Hispanic | 4.21% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.16% |
| Native American | 1.05% |
| Two or More Races | 1.62% |
Popularity of Motes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Motes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Motes surname increased by 305 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Motes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motes
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